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When It Is Time for New
Tires
Various factors, such as
maintenance, temperatures, driving
speeds, vehicle loading, and
road conditions influence when you
need new tires.
One way to tell when it is time for
new tires is to check the treadwear
indicators, which will appear
when the tires have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining.
You need new tires if any of the
following statements are true:
• You can see the indicators at
three or more places around
the tire.
• You can see cord or fabric
showing through the tire’s rubber.
• The tread or sidewall is cracked,
cut, or snagged deep enough to
show cord or fabric.
• The tire has a bump, bulge,
or split.
• The tire has a puncture, cut, or
other damage that cannot be
repaired well because of the size
or location of the damage.
The rubber in tires degrades over
time, even if they are not being
used. This is also true for the spare
tire, if the vehicle has one. Multiple
conditions affect how fast this
aging takes place, including
temperatures, loading conditions,
and inflation pressure maintenance.
With proper care and maintenance
tires typically wear out before
they degrade due to age. If you are
unsure about the need to replace
the tires as they get older, consult
the tire manufacturer for more
information.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specific tires for your vehicle.
The original equipment tires installed
on your vehicle, when it was new,
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specification (TPC spec) system
rating. If you need replacement tires,
GM strongly recommends that
you get tires with the same TPC
Spec rating. This way, your vehicle
will continue to have tires that
are designed to give the same
performance and vehicle safety,
during normal use, as the original
tires.
Service and Appearance Care 5-51